My name is Cody Kothera and I have been involved with Lifebanc since 2007. We created a team for the Gift of Life Run/Walk to honor one of my best friends, Andy Crosier. He was involved in a motorcycle accident in August 2007. Unfortunately he did not survive his injuries yet he was able to donate his organs. Andy’s selfless act of being a donor gave five people a second chance at life and opened many of our friends' eyes to the ways that donation can touch anyone. Being young no one in our close group of friends was registered as a donor but that quickly changed. Now we are not only all registered donors, but also proud supporters of Lifebanc and Donate Life. Although losing Andy was one of the most difficult things I have gone through, I have found solace working with Lifebanc to promote organ donation.
The Gift of Life Run/Walk is an amazing event that promotes love and healing. Whether you are a donor family/friend or recipient family/friend you feel embraced and proud to share your story. The Run/Walk is a very powerful event. There are numerous aspects of the day that share inspirational stories of not only donors but recipients as well. Losing a loved one is so very difficult, but to find healing knowing that part of them is living on in someone else is empowering.
The Walk/Run helps my friends get together every year to raise money and awareness for organ donation and to keep the legacy of Andy alive. I strongly urge everyone to participate in this event, whether you have been touched by donation or not, because it can affect anyone at any time.
